A Modal Reciprocating Pushrim Drive Wheelchair Phase II

Principal Investigator: Michael Boninger, MD;

Co-Investigator(s): Rory Cooper, PhD; Bradley Impink, BSE; Annmarie Kelleher, OTR/L; Rosemarie Cooper, MPT; Toru Furui, PhD; Erica Authier, BS

Funding Source: NIH SBIR

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to test the lever drive wheelchair (LDW) transmission for durability, and document the physiologic and biomechanical performance by conducting metabolic testing and a driving activities course.  

Research Design

In order to determine the efficacy of the LDW we will perform the following testing on each chair: Mark 2A - ANSI/RESNA testing, Biomechanics and Physiologic Testing; Mark 3A - ANSI/RESNA testing, Biomechanics and Physiologic Testing, and Activities of Daily living testing.

Methodology

Up to 30 individuals, between the ages of 18 and 65 and with no reported history of cardiovascular disease will participate in this study.  Mark 2A testing will be completed by individuals without impairments while Mark 3A testing will be completed by individuals who use a wheelchair as their primary means of mobility. 

ANSI/RESNA testing, as well as biomechanical and physiological testing will be completed on both chairs.  Subjects will propel the LDW and their own wheelchair (or a wheelchair provided for the unimpaired group) on a computer controlled wheelchair dynamometer for three minutes with five minutes of rest between each trial.  Subjects will propel under four conditions: 1) Target speed 0.9 m/s – normal resistance (9 W), 2) Target speed 0.9 m/s – moderate resistance (13 W), 3) Target speed 1.8 m/s – normal resistance (24 W), 4) Target speed 1.8 m/s – moderate resistance (30 W).  Kinematic data will be collected for 20-second intervals. Physiologic data will be collected using a metabolic measurement cart.  Subjects testing the Mark 3A will be asked to propel over a standardized activity of daily living (ADL) course three times in their own wheelchair and using the LDW.  For each trial we will record the time to complete the course. Subjects will complete a brief survey after performing each exercise. The order of all testing will be randomized

Clinical Significance

While prolonged wheelchair use has been associated with repetitive injuries in the shoulders and wrists, this research hopes to show that the LDW is a more efficient and safer alternative to the common pushrim wheelchairs.